WinMerge
WinMerge is a free, open-source Windows tool for comparing and merging files and folders.
What WinMerge is
WinMerge is a free, open-source Windows tool for comparing and merging files and folders. File comparisons use side-by-side panes, inline difference highlights, syntax highlighting, a difference pane and moved-line detection. Folder comparisons can be recursive or single-level, apply regular-expression filters, account for binary files and compare three versions. For visual material, it can show image differences as blocks or overlays, and it displays CSV and TSV files in table form. WinMerge can create Normal, Context and Unified patches and resolve conflict files made by other tools. It also offers Windows Explorer integration, 7-Zip archive browsing and plugins, and can work as an external diff tool alongside version-control tools. The project is licensed under GPLv2, developed by volunteers and supplies source archives with stable releases. It targets Windows: current 32-bit builds require Windows XP SP3 or newer, while 64-bit builds require Windows 7 or newer. The free plan is free; there is no free trial.
Good
- Free, open-source tool for Windows
- Supports three-way folder comparison
- Displays CSV and TSV files as tables
- Creates several patch formats and resolves conflicts
- Offers Windows Explorer integration and plugins
Watch out
- Official support targets Windows only
- 64-bit builds require Windows 7 or newer
- No free trial
Who it suits
WinMerge suits Windows developers comparing branches, administrators syncing configuration folders and power users comparing files, tables or images. It is for people who need file and folder comparison or merge tools without a paid plan.
Verdict
WinMerge brings file, folder, image and table comparison together in a free Windows application, with patch creation and conflict resolution included. Its listed platform is Windows, so it is not an official cross-platform option.
Plans and prices
From WinMerge's own pricing page, checked 30 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| WinMerge | Free | Free open-source file and folder comparison and merge tool for Windows · GPLv2 |
The facts
Each one read from WinMerge's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- File comparison
- File comparison includes side-by-side panes, inline difference highlights, syntax highlighting, a difference pane, and moved-line detection.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Folder comparison
- Folder comparison supports recursive or single-level views, regex filters, binary awareness, and three-way comparison.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Image and table comparison
- Image comparison provides block highlights and overlay mode, while table comparison displays CSV and TSV files in table format.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- WinMerge offers 64-bit Windows Explorer shell integration, 7-Zip archive browsing, plugins, and use as an external diff tool alongside version control tools.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Intended users
- The site describes workflows for developers comparing branches, administrators syncing configuration folders, and power users comparing files, tables, and images.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Other operating systems
- The FAQ says official WinMerge targets Windows and that there are currently no plans for official cross-platform support in the main project line.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Patches and conflicts
- WinMerge creates Normal, Context, and Unified patches and can resolve conflict files produced by other tools.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- WinMerge is a free, open-source tool for visually comparing and merging files and folders on Windows.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Security and integrity
- Official release packages publish SHA-256 checksums, and the site recommends comparing a downloaded package's hash with its published digest before running it.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Source transparency
- WinMerge is licensed under GPLv2, developed by volunteers, and provides a full source archive with each stable release.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- The site provides FAQ, step-by-step guides, and antivirus troubleshooting guidance.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Warranty
- The software is provided as-is under GPLv2 without warranty of any kind, to the extent permitted by applicable law.checked 30 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Windows requirements
- Current 32-bit builds require Windows XP SP3 or newer, and 64-bit builds require Windows 7 or newer.checked 30 Sep 2026
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